Push Button Pin for Pliers with Spring-Loaded Ball Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pliers require multiple steps and complex mechanisms to adjust between narrow-mouthed and wide-mouthed configurations, lacking a compact and efficient method for quick jaw width adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A push button pin with elastically-biased balls that descend into a receiving portion when the push button head is pressed, allowing for quick removal and re-engagement of the pin between plier halves, facilitating easy adjustment of jaw width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pins or slots are used to provide adjustability for multiple configurations, then the pliers can achieve multiple jaw width configurations, but the adjustment process requires multiple steps and complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is divided into distinct functional segments: a head portion for user interaction, a body portion with internal cavity, and a protrusion for engagement. The balls are segmented as separate retainable elements within the pin structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling quick adjustment without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic structure where balls can move between retained and released states. The spring provides dynamic force to automatically return the pin to its engaged position after adjustment, creating a self-resetting mechanism that simplifies the adjustment process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pins or slots are used to provide adjustability for multiple configurations, then the pliers can achieve multiple jaw width configurations, but the adjustment process requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The balls are pre-positioned within the pin's internal cavity and held in place by the spring mechanism. When the pin is inserted into the slot, the balls are already in the correct position to engage with the slot features, eliminating the need for manual positioning steps during adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism automatically performs the function of returning the pin to its engaged position after the user releases it during adjustment. This self-resetting action eliminates the need for additional steps to re-engage the pin, reducing adjustment time.
3Ease of operation
If a compact mechanism is provided for quick adjustment, then the adjustment process can be simplified, but the mechanism must still ensure reliable engagement and retention
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is merged into the pin structure itself through the internal cavity that houses the balls. The balls serve dual purposes: they act as locking elements when engaged and as indicators of the pin's state. This integration ensures reliable retention without adding separate complex retention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The balls act as intermediary elements between the pin and the slot, providing a mechanical interface that ensures reliable engagement. When the balls are pressed into the slot features, they create a positive locking action that guarantees secure retention while allowing quick release when force is applied.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and compact adjustment of plier jaws, simplifying the process of switching between configurations and enhancing usability by reducing the number of steps required.
Implementation Method 1
a spring is included that biases the push button radially outward
Implementation Method 2
The pin includes one or more elastically-biased balls that can descend inwardly when a user pushes the push button head against a bias of a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A push button pin for coupling together two halves of pliers. The pin can include one or more balls elastically biased in a radially-outward direction to couple the pin to a retainer. The balls are normally pushed outward by an engagement portion, but a push button head can be pressed axially downward and cause the balls to align with a receiving portion, which allows the balls to descend into the interior of the pin. The push button is also integral with the receiving and engagement portions to better facilitate the movement of the balls and the removability of the pin. A user can therefore quickly adjust the jaw width of a pair of pliers and better utilize the pliers in the process.